August | 2012 | The Grateful Golfer

As I watch Vijay Singh use his belly putter from the fringe at the PGA Championship, I wonder if the putter is the best club to use. Granted the The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is in fantastic condition and their fairways are as manicured as most greens, I still wonder if using a putter from 10 yards off the green is a wise move. Obviously, for Vijay Singh, it was a good move as he went up and down for par. But in reality was it really the smart play?

The courses I primarily play (Laurentide Golf Course, Osprey Links, Clear Springs Golf Course) it is unlikely that a putter would be the club of choice from 10 yards off the green. Since the putter cannot be use, now what? I have discussed this many times with a multitude of golfers and suggest that there is no clear answer. However, given a choice I would prefer to use my 7 iron first and my 52 degree wedge second.

The 7 iron shot is a bump and run pitch. I use this shot only when the ball is on the short grass. I set the club up like a putter and often use the same grip. I press my hands slightly forward and lead slightly on my left foot (I am a right-handed golfer). I ensure that more weight is on the inside of my left foot to ensure crisp contact on the ball. Next I lock my wrists and swing the club with my shoulders.

A very important aspect of this shot selection, and I cannot overstate this point, is to keep focusing on my club hitting the ball. Then I count to 2, still looking at the point where my club struck the ball, then I look up. Keeping your head down will ensure that your ball remains on the line you chose and that solid contact occurs every time.

There you have it, my solution to lowering your score. I plan to use this shot tomorrow. I am a grateful golfer.

What club do you like to use from 10 yards off the green on the short grass?

Under a Tree on the 15th Hole

I have often thought that hitting a difficult shot is easier than an approach shot from 80 yards in the middle of the fairway. You may laugh, however it is true. When we are trying to hit a tough shot, we focus, think of where we want to land the ball, take into account our surroundings and contemplate which club would be most effective. When we are 80 yards out, we grab the same club and hit the same shot regardless of the wind, conditions or pin position. We think and focus less. Hence, the results are not always what we want.Last week I was playing the par 5, 15th hole at Laurentide Golf Course. After two shots I was 50 yards from the green. After my third shot, by the way it was unfocused, I was 15 yards off the green under a tree. I had to stand under the branches, chip over a hill, land the ball on the green and let the ball roll down to the hole.

Close to the Pin from Under a Tree

As I walked up to the ball, I said a couple grumpy words and thought, wow what a poor shot. Then I proceeded to go through my normal routine. I focused on where I needed to land the ball. Then which club would be best and finally, how hard to hit the shot. Well as you can see I did alright. By the way, I sunk the but for par.

Making a tough shot is more mind over matter. The key to being successful is to stay focused on each shot. It is very difficult, but if you can manage it, your handicap will fall.

If you have any hints or tips on how to hit a tough golf shot, I would love to hear them. I am always looking for ways to improve my game. I am all ears!